Any regrets on choosing EB?

[spelunkus]

Hi all,

I'm just about to sign on a new EB. I absolutely love the hatch door, and thought it alone is worth the extra $$ over a comparable FC. I actually prefer the cabinet doors on the FCs, but I don't think I will care for long.

Before I pull the trigger I thought I should ask about whether anyone has run into notable drawbacks with the hatch door, or anything else on the EB vs FC for that matter.

Any issues with leaks, drafts, locks (I heard there were issues with older models but mine will be a 2016)?

I am mainly getting it so I can feel more outside. It will be like a back porch.

Thanks!
Matt

[jayseejay]

Hi Matt.
We moved from a 2011 25' FC front bed twin to a 2015 27' EB twin and have never looked back! We adapted to the sliding doors in the overhead storage, and keep a few canvas bins under the fold back seating. We use the hatch both for hauling our two kayaks and as a "back porch", as you describe. We made a smaller table top to use occasionally when we want more open access to the hatch (the stock table is fairly large). Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions.
Best,
Joe

[TRIPPPIN]

We have a 2012 EB 25FB and love it. The only drawback we see is the dinette table. There are some threads on what others have done to improve the issue. I am using our as is now but have plans to change it in the future. The hatch is most useful for carrying things. It does not leak at all - I have been asked that many times for some reason. We added a bike rack on the outside rear (Can-Am Airstream London Ontario makes a customized one) so we can travel with the bikes and still use the dinette when we want. We can keep the bikes on the rack, tilt it down, and still open both the hatch and the rear bumper storage.

[jayseejay]

Note that the wobble and tipping of the dinette table in early EB models has been addressed with more stable legs and attachments in recent models. Joe

[field & stream]

Not an EB owner, but our experience with the open back end of our Basecamp is that we absolutely love it for the reason you expressed: you feel more like you are outside.

[TSOMMY]

We have had an EB since 2012 . Bought it new. No significant issues. Had a few rivets pop out on the inside of the rig but were fixed under warranty . The table was kind of wiggly and I just fixed it my self by installing the same table hardware that they use now in newer EB's and the Interstate. One thing you need to be ready for is --Everybody, where ever you go wants to look at it. Be prepared to give lots of tours and answer lots of questions (kind of fun actually)

[KristiBear]

We just passed the two year mark with our 2014 EB. Dozens of long and short trips later, with and without our kayaks stowed in the trailer, and we have not a single regret. Nearly every Airstreamer we run into envies our ability to open up the back and let the outside in.

We have since started carrying our kayaks on the TV so we don't use that aspect any more (our initial main reason for buying it) and still have no regrets. We love that back door and use it all the time!

[GammaDog]

No regrets! On more than one occasion while looking at a lake, river, ocean or mountain through the open hatch we've remarked "do they really make Airstreams without this feature?"

[screamstream]

I have the 2012 25 foot. Never regretted buying it. Have been all over the country camping. No problems. Left the table alone, since I occasionally have a guest or two and need it to use as the bed base. Love my rear door. Great for ventilation and views. The screen design isn't the greatest, but it works. A hard wind blows it out of the trac, easy to put back in.

[djarrett]

We have a 2015 and love it. If you are buying new, you won't have the table wiggle problem we had to correct. We are not full timers so we wanted to feel like we were in an outdoor friendly camper (so to speak). I get that people who are full-timing it want to feel like they are in a "home" — we really like the canvas, eddie bauer bedding and throw pillows, and most of all, we like being able to open the back and enjoy bringing the outdoors in.

A dealer just told us that this past week that indeed he has toured Airstream last week where he was informed that this will be the last year for the EB. I know we've all heard this for a while, but either way, the dealer said he believes the EB's will retain their value for a good while to come.

[spelunkus]

Thanks everyone, that sounds awesome. I'm super excited. Hopefully I'll have some good news in a few days.

[BassCan]

We have the 2014 27 EB. So glad we have it. No regrets. Hope you enjoy yours.

[mefly2]

Get one if you can find one ...while you can !

[SammyW]

Got an Eddie Bauer 27 last fall and have been looking for an exterior bike rack. What model did you get and how is it connected? Thank you.

[GammaDog]

I think AS sells a version of their bike rack that is made for the EB. Did you check there?

I opted to put bikes (which we don't take often) on a rack that sits on top of the hard tonneau of the truck. It works great for us and can carry up to 4 bikes. There is a pic in my gallery on AirForums. Let me know if you want more info.

[SammyW]

Thank you very much. I did try the AS recommended bike rack for the interior of the EB. I am looking for an exterior rack. I tow with an Expedition so don't have the truck rack option. I spoke with Can Am and they have a rack they believe will work.

[screamstream]

Thought I'd mention how I carry my 1 bike. Fold the bottom part of the couch by door up. Bike rolls right into that spot and I use one racket stap from bike seat to floor d-ring and tighten it down good. Works great. Bike protected.

[Putz]

Had a 25EB loved it, traded for a 27. Wow what a dream. 2 feet makes a big difference for our lifestyle .